Feelings from the Features Editor

February 16, 2018

Has someone ever stripped you of something that wasn’t there’s for the taking? Sure, it is considered stealing. But it’s more than that. Money or clothes are tangible. They are also materialistic. What I am expressing is the sense of being robbed of intangible, truly personal belongings that cannot be simply replaced.

This is what I mean: The other weekend I was taking advantage of the freshly fallen snow and a chance to exonerate the cabin fever. Taking a ride on a snowmobile, I found myself completely ridden with anxiety and fear. At one point in time, I would have carelessly hopped on and reveled in the sheer adrenaline and adventure. That’s when I noticed I have been robbed of my fearlessness.

A lot of what is stolen from us is a result of a past relationship. After establishing a guard, one lets it down. After some time, the relationship may face obstacles that are too daunting for the couple to overcome. Not only are you robbed of your time spent together but also of the trust that you instilled in that person. As a result, your comfort is also pulled from your grasp, leaving behind only a sense of vulnerability.

On the other hand, a life event, such as an accident or loss, can leave the same effects. Perhaps it causes you to lose your loyalty or your beliefs. Quite possibly you are stripped of your innocence or confidence. Not because of someone else’s doing, but just because life happens.
Sucks, doesn’t it? However, it could be a turning point.

When a robber breaks into your house and steals your precious TV and jewelry, the change you left on the counter, and the odd objects like the leftover pizza in the fridge, you are upset. But you call the cops and insurance and it gets taken care of. Though unsettled, you move forward and maybe get a home security system.
Life happens the same way.

After being robbed of the intangible assets of our personal emotions and characteristics, there’s a chance to recover. Instead of the insurance company, who ensures that your belongings are replaced over time, there are counselors. They promise you that, over time, they can help return those lost feelings. Replacing a security system is the wisdom and life lesson you have personally learned from. And in exchange for the cops that file the police report and check to make sure that things are accounted for, you have friends to lean on, that will support you, and help you get your sense of original life back.

Then again, things may never return to what they were. Quite frankly, it takes a very long time. Instead of waiting for your fearlessness or trust to come back, adapt. Take the chances that propel you forward because there is absolutely no reason to go back. Okay, so you may never feel fully comfortable riding a bike after you crashed, or falling in love with that girl in Chemistry. But if you don’t at least try, you are simply not living your life but instead letting it overcome you. Persevere. Live on. And remember, you are only robbed of what you let others take.